Celebrating Matariki: events around Whakatū Nelson

Community events around Nelson to celebrate Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2022.

Waimārama Brook Sanctuary Glow Worm Tour
Friday 3 June - Thursday 7 July
6.50pm - 8.30pm
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is inviting visitors to experience a different side of the Sanctuary with an after-dark glow worm tour introduced for the winter months.

See brooksanctuary.org.nz for more details. Online bookings are essential. 

Nikau Hinden: Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai

4 June - 13 August 2022
9.30am - 4.30pm daily
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū

Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai presents a significant body of work by Nikau Hindin (Ngai Tūpoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) showcasing her knowledge and commitment to Toi Māori, specifically in aute and documenting the movement of celestial bodies.
 
This is an exhibition developed and toured by The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt.
 

Stevei Houkāmau: Ira Tangata Ira Atua
18 June - 2 October 2022
9.30am - 4.30pm daily
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū

Stevei Houkāmau (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Scotland) explores both metaphorical and literal connections between people, uku (clay), and Pāpātuanuku (Mother Earth). Houkāmau’s work examines whakapapa through the revival and reinterpretation of traditions of her tīpuna. 
 
This exhibition is generously supported by Wakatū Incorporation.

Matariki Tree Planting
18 June (2 July if raining)
1pm - 3:00pm
Waahi Takaaro Golf Course, Maitai Valley Road

Part of a series of commemorative plantings for Kākati, the common ancestor of six iwi of Te Tauihu.
 
Kākati is immortalised in the name of the Wharenui (meeting House) of Whakatū Marae. This Matariki event, will involve planting on the river esplanade to commemorate the connection between people and land. For more information email: project.mahitahi@ncc.govt.nz  

Broadgreen Intermediate
Monday 20 June
4.30 - 6.30 pm

Broadgreen Intermediate, Nayland Road, Stoke Celebrate Matariki with an evening of entertainment including live music, kōrero about Matariki, kapa haka and Pasifika performances, and lantern hikoi.Bring your own dinner or pre-purchase hāngī for $5. For more information and how to order kai phone: 03 547 7131 or email: broadgreen@broadgreen.school.nz

Victory Community Centre
Thursday 23 June
3pm - 7pm
Victory Community Centre, Nelson

The annual Matariki celebration for the Toi Toi and Victory Community. Including school and community performances, hot soup, a hāngī, veggie curry, a lantern hīkoi along the Railway Reserve, fire poi, and more. 

Bring a lantern or torch and wrap up warm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit victorycommunity.org.nz/matariki. 

Matariki SUP Paddle
Friday 24 June
7:45am safety briefing, 8:30am launch on the water 
Tāhunanui beach  

Join for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) paddle around Urenui (Fifeshire Rock) to celebrate Matariki. Dress up in your brightest gear!

Meet up at the covered BBQ area at the Western end of the Lions playground, Tāhunanui beach. 

Remember it's winter so please wear the appropriate gear. Every paddler must wear a PFD and leash. All kiddos must be accompanied by a competent paddling adult.

As always, this event will be subject to weather conditions. Any updates will be posted on the event Facebook page.

Matariki Festival, Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2022
Friday, 24 June 2022
Trafalgar Centre and Rutherford Park, Nelson
Koha/Gold coin entry

Night Market from 5.00pm
Entertainment from 5.30pm in Trafalgar Centre
Evening concludes at 8pm with a firework display

Welcoming special guest Ria Hall (Ngāi TeRangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whānau ā Apanui,Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato).

The night market offers arts and crafts, and a wide variety of food. Please bring cash.

Koha entry will be donated to the New Zealand Red Cross to support the people of Ukraine.

Parking is limited so attendees are encouraged to bus, bike, walk, or carpool. 

Find our Facebook event for more info and updates. 

Hiwa

Saturday 25 June
10am - 3pm

Broadgreen Intermediate

A free event including kai stalls, cooking demonstrations with Kōhatu Kai, activities, bouncy castles, kapa haka, live entertainment, health checks, information about housing, employment and training and more. 

This event is brought to you by Māori health providers and Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust.

Nayland College
Tuesday 28 June
5 - 8pm
Nayland College, Nayland Road, Stoke

Matariki is a time for celebration, growth and renewal. Schools in Stoke-Tāhunanui Kāhui Ako are hosting a wonderful celebration for their community. Featuring performances, food trucks, art displays, market stalls and an inaugural star hunt.
 
For more information visit: stoketahunanuicol.nz